To borrow a phrase from Mike's List, this is an example of "unexpected convergence": WiFi and IM. Although IM clients have been being used over WiFi since WiFi was available, this new use is a little different. Meetro uses available WiFi signals in densely populated areas to triangulate the position of the user, then show other people in their contact list that are physically near by. People in less-densely populated areas can simply enter their address to use the service. Users post a photo of themselves which other users can see when they are within proximity of one another. They can currently use AIM and ICQ to chat, with support for MSN and Yahoo instant messengers in the works. Obviously there are security concerns, so Meetro never gives a person's exact address, but rather gives approximate distances like "You are within 3/4 of a mile of this user". Meetro is for Windows, but Mac and Linux versions are expected in Q4 of this year.Personally, I'm not sure I'd want random people from my past contacting me, particularly when they're nearby! How about you?
[Via digg]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
8-01-2005 @ 8:01AM
paralleljohnny said...
It sounds neat, but not everyone uses public wifi. Unless you're living in LA or NYC, I don't see this catching on. I'm an active user of Dodgeball (http://www.dodgeball.com) and even though there are way more people with sms, I've only managed to get about 10 or so people to join.
Reply
8-01-2005 @ 7:35PM
Wendell said...
Actually, it doesn't really rely on WiFi technology at all anymore. Automatic location-awareness via WiFi is just a bonus. Land line / non-WiFi users can manually enter in addresses, if so desired.
Regarding the safety issues, keep in mind that if you're less than a quarter mile away, Meetro never actually reveals anything further. In other words, there is never a displayed distance less than .25 miles.
If you guys have any ideas for improving security further, please feel free to drop me a line. I'd love to hear your feedback.
Reply
8-01-2005 @ 11:46PM
Dimitri Plabato said...
Interesting, I like it. I have to try this one out because it sounds pretty solid. And you have to admit... you're just sitting there and then 'Someweird username' pops up 1 inch away and it's a hot lady or something....
*thinks for a moment* Err... wait nvm, that also works for stalkers, child profilers, etc... Okay... it's interesting but...nah.
Reply